Corona Virus Information And Updates.

Monroe County plans to reopen The Florida Keys to visitors Monday, June 1 by suspending the checkpoints on U.S. 1 and State Road 905 and allowing lodging establishments to take in guests at 50 percent occupancy. The Florida Keys have been closed to visitors since March 22 to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Airport screenings and bus restrictions will also be lifted on June 1.

Monroe County lodging establishments, like hotels, campgrounds, vacation rentals, and other transient-licensed establishments will be required to implement sanitation procedures and follow the American Hotel and Lodging Association COVID-19 guidelines for enhanced cleaning practices

Restaurants are now serving food and beveradges.  We are fortunate to have few cases of COVID here.

The fishing has been good and it is strange seeing very few skiffs on the flats in what is typicaly the busiest time of the year.  My guess is even when we reopen in June there will be few boats on the flats..  June is a great month to fish for tarpon, permit and bonefish!

The Florida Keys County Commisioners has set up a web site that they are updating frequently. You can see it here.  

I also update my Sight Fish Charters Face Book Page with any and all new information.  

Stay safe and I hope we can go fishing soon!

I have been over due for a fishing report.  We had a minor cool front last night temperatures dropped into the 60s but will be back in the 80s in a few days..  Typical March weather here in the Florida Keys..  

Tarpon fishing has been good on the warmer days in between cold fronts..  Been finding a lot of big tarpon the last few days..  If the weather is good the tarpon fishing will be good and will continue to improve as the migration really gets started.  The migration will last into the beginning of July.

Been finding some permit on the flats to on the nicer days.  March is considered  to be the best month for permit...  You want some wind to fish for these spooky fish..  A little chop on the water helps us get closer to the fish with out spooking them.. They will be on the flats until mid April when they head off shore to spawn.  

On the windy days following cold fronts I have been targeting baby tarpon on the leeward shore line out of the wind..

Tarpon, permit and bonefish are the glamour species here in the Florida Keys...   But we have other fish too..  Barracudas are an absolute blast... 

Vicious strikes. They can hit speeds up to 30 mph and make some spectacular  jumps...  

I have been using more surface plugs this season..  Love seeing big barracudas smash plugs on top in a few foot of water..  Check out the scars on this plug.

For you parents on spring break, don't forget to take your kids fishing.

 Lady fish and sea trout are plentiful and can provide lots of action for young anglers..

Kids love sight fishing for sharks in shallow water..